To have some fun teaching your child geography, get a world map and put it on your dinner table. Cover it with a sheet of clear plastic from the craft store. Now at meals your family can talk about what is happening in the world. Help your child find countries mentioned in the news. Quiz family members on countries and their capitals. You might also try a state or national map. Or maybe the universe?

Your child’s vocabulary may be filled with short, simple words. But you don’t have to speak to him in small words. Children naturally mimic the adults around them. You can expand your child’s vocabulary by using some “big” words occasionally. To teach your child a new word, use it often. Define it. Use it in a sentence. Relate it to other words your child already knows (“This yummy cookie tastes scrumptious!”).

When the Reading is Fundamental program asked kids what encouraged them to read, the kids had great ideas. Here are some to try with your child: Let him pick out books. Set goals and offer incentives for reading (one mom adds a new circle section on a “reading caterpillar” on the wall for each book read). Let your child see you reading. Send notes to your child to praise him or say “I love you.”

Do you want to play games, bake cookies and read with your child but never seem to find the time? During this holiday season, make a pledge to schedule those fun times. Write them on the calendar. Then if someone asks you to do something at that time, you can say “I have something on the calendar already.” Spending time with your child is important. Don’t leave it to chance.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014 Every child deserves some praise
Praising children can boost their self-esteem and help them persevere when things aren’t going well. But sometimes, it’s hard to find something nice to say. Kids always know when you’re lying, so if you are looking for something to praise when your child is struggling, try to focus on something your child has done right. You might also say “That was a good try,” or “That’s difficult, but I know you can do it.”

Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Capture your child’s successes in a memory book
Give your child the confidence of knowing you think he’s special by making him a memory book. Collect his special work, photos and awards from school, sports or other activities and lay them on the floor in chronological order. Then let your child choose what he would like to include to remember this school year. Put the items in a scrapbook. If you do it each year, your child will have a collection to be proud of.

Because many holidays involve gift giving, it’s easy for kids to focus entirely on their own needs and wants. Help your child learn that it is important to think about and help others by looking for ways to do so as a family. Is there an elderly person in your neighborhood who needs help taking out the trash? Could you collect blankets for a shelter? Your child will gain a better understanding of her value to your community.

Friday, December 12, 2014 Start the day a better way
Even children who wake up early seem to have trouble getting ready for school. But a little bit of planning can make your morning routine less hectic. Make a list with your child of things that must be done each morning. Post the list and a pencil where your child can reach them, and let him check off the items as he completes them. You’ll both appreciate the result: a hassle-free morning.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 Teach social studies with food and friends
In social studies class, children gain an understanding of other cultures. Parents can provide a different dimension to this appreciation, and the holiday season is a great time to do it. Plan a special potluck holiday meal. Invite friends and neighbors from different geographic regions and ask them to bring a dish from their home state or country. During your meal, share stories of family traditions.

Sunday, December 14, 2014 Give your child a taste of food science
Here’s a way to turn your child’s interest in food into a learning experience: Put a little sugar on different parts of her tongue. When does she actually taste it? Repeat with lemon juice, salt and unsweetened chocolate. See if your child can identify the place on the tongue where sweet, sour, salty and bitter flavors are tasted. Have her suck on an ice cube and repeat the experiment. Does it make a difference?